Here’s the Cliffs Notes on last year’s Madison High School softball team:
The Warhawks finished 3-23, the program’s worst record in more than 20 years; 14 of the losses were by 10 runs or more. Some of the scores: 25-0, 24-3, 18-0, 17-0, 15-0.
Said Hanna Rosas, now a junior second baseman: “Definitely, it was a little bit scary.”
This year, it’s the Warhawks who are a bit frightening. A 6-1 road win over Morse on Thursday ran Madison’s record to 13-6-1. The Warhawks are the CIF San Diego Section No. 1-ranked Division 4 team and talking about winning more than just a section title.
Huddled with two juniors after Madison’s win over Morse (11-8), freshman pitcher Aniyah Shelby wasted no time answering when the trio was asked what the team’s goal is this year.
“Win everything. Win state,” said Shelby.
The freshman right-hander is a big reason for Madison’s turnaround. She went the distance against Morse, giving up just four hits and one unearned run in seven innings She struck out four and walked two.
She’s now 12-5 on the season with a 2.44 ERA. In 111 2/3 innings, she’s struck out 120 and walked just 24.
Madison’s Aniyah Shelby smiles as she celebrates with teammates as they get one out away to a 6-1 win over Morse at Morse High School in San Diego on Thursday, April 16, 2026. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Shelby, who plays for a Riverside County travel team, also bats cleanup for the Warhawks. Despite going 0-for-4 Thursday, she’s hitting .439 with 18 RBI.
“Shelby is what you call a once-in-a-lifetime kind of kid that you get in your program,” said Madison coach Tom Kamfonik. “The way she treats her teammates, the way she competes. She’s the kind of kid you love.
“Her mental framework is ‘Next batter up.’ She doesn’t let anything bother her. If we boot a ball, make an error or she strikes out the next girl, her mentality doesn’t change.”
A year ago, the Warhawks allowed more than 12 runs a game. Now, there’s an ace in the circle.
“We go out there, we’re expecting not to even field the ball,” said Hanna Rosas, who’s batting .452 with a team-leading 28 RBI. Her freshman sister, Olivia, is batting .365 with 20 RBI, second on the team.
“She’s striking everyone out,” said Hanna Rosas.
Shelby says she’s not intimidated by being a ninth grader surrounded by older teammates.
“Age doesn’t matter to me,” said Shelby. “I just trust my pitches. I know I can get them out.”
Madison’s Aryana Burnett slides safe into third base as Morse’s Thaliamia Richards tries to tag in the seventh inning at Morse High School in San Diego on Thursday, April 16, 2026. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Warhawks have no problem putting up runs. In addition to Shelby and Hanna Rosas, freshman Aryana Burnett is in the .400 club, hitting .456. Against Morse, No. 9 hitter Kalea Ohly went 3-for-4, scored a run, knocked in two and made a terrific sliding catch down the rightfield line.
“One through nine, we’re solid,” said Kamfonik. “Last year, it was maybe 1-2-3 and pray for the rest.”
That 3-23 season is a distant memory for the Warhawks, who are making plans to be playing softball in June.
“This year, it’s like a high ride,” said catcher Andrea Haffner, who’s hitting .312. “I can see ourselves going to CIF, winning playoff games, going to state, winning it all.”